Western Australia launches initiative to map local defence capabilities

The Western Australian government has launched an expression of interest (EOI), inviting industry to share information on current and emerging capabilities in the state’s defence sector, to help shape future planning and engagement.

Announced on 26 May by Defence West, the state agency responsible for growing the defence sector, the EOI aims to map industrial capacity, readiness, and growth opportunities across Western Australia.

The information provided will be used to support analysis of the state’s industrial base and identify partnership pathways. According to Defence West, this will help guide collaboration and coordination across government and industry.

Input is being sought from a wide range of organisations. This includes SMEs and primes, universities, and other parts of the supply chain, such as advanced manufacturing and logistics. 

Respondents must be headquartered or operate in Western Australia, or demonstrate a clear pathway  to establishing a supply chain or partnerships with local companies.  

Organisations wishing to reply are requested to submit, among other details, summaries of their current capabilities and any partnership interests – such as working with SMEs or research institutions.

Defence West emphasises that the EOI is only designed to inform planning and engagement and is not a tender or requirement to procure.

The agency states it may follow up submissions for clarification or to support potential engagement activities.

The deadline for responses is 8 July.